By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Sheila Shea of Marlborough will be installed as international president of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) in Baltimore Wednesday, June 29. She will be accompanied by Junior Woman’s Club members from Marlborough and other cities and towns throughout the state.
One of the Marlborough “juniors” attending the installation will be a 20-year member, Marilyn Perry, who said she has followed Shea’s outstanding volunteerism in the GFWC for many years and admires her dedication.
“Sheila has given so much time generously to juniors while raising a family and having a career. She is an outstanding example to men and women who would like to make a difference in the world and think they don’t have time,” she said.
Shea joined the Marlborough Junior Women’s Club in November 1973, a year after moving to the city from Waltham, hoping to learn more about the community and share it with her husband, Steven. She learned much about the city and how she could help enrich the lives of residents of all ages.
“We have been involved in a tremendous number of projects over the years,” Shea recalled. “My first memory is doing a book mobile delivery of library books to elderly residents in the city and presenting a program on fire safety at the Freeman Elementary School. Other projects include the Metrowest Princess Boutique, an annual complimentary prom gown and accessory day for high school students, and several Ways and Means programs.”
Through the years Shea has worked her way right up the ranks in the GFWC, holding positions of treasurer, recording secretary, second vice-president, first vice-president and president-elect in 2014.
“As GFWC international president and CEO, I will reside in our beautiful headquarters building in Dupont Circle, Washington, DC, and oversee a staff of 14, in addition to a volunteer Executive Committee and Board of Directors,” said Shea. “I will hopefully continue our networking and advocacy efforts within the DC community, including White House and State Department briefings, as well as interaction with other organizations and entities.”
Shea has lived in Marlborough for 44 years with her husband and son, Jeff. She retired as the grants/financial manager for Marlborough Public Schools in October 2014, following 27 years of service.
Also attending the conference is Diane McCurley of Marlborough, director of junior clubs.